Monday, Sept. 26, 2011

Today in the News Media

Today in the News Media is a synopsis of some of the most prominent coverage of OSU people and programs. Inclusion of any item constitutes neither an endorsement nor a critique, but rather is intended only to make the OSU community aware of significant items in the media.

Oregon State University’s Gill Coliseum was packed Tuesday with families, OSU faculty and staff, members of the university’s Greek system and — most importantly — new students attending the university’s 15th annual assembly for new students. (see also LIFE@OSU)

“One part of climate change that is indisputable is that CO2 is rising in the atmosphere — it’s easy to measure,” said Bill Chadwick, an Oregon State University geologist. “And it’s indisputable that it is making the oceans more acidic — we can measure it.” (see also Yahoo)

Researchers at Oregon State University surveyed nearly 600 college students, mostly freshmen, about their eating habits and found that most weren’t even eating one serving of fruits or vegetables a day.

Beth Rietveld got the chance to reminisce about the Oregon State University Women’s Center, where she’s served as director for 18 years, while packing and cleaning her office; the thought of leaving her job was startling at times. (see also LIFE@OSU)

NuScale, which is developing scalable nuclear reactor technology created at Oregon State University, furloughed most of its 100-person work force and halted most of its operations in March after its primary financial backer, the Michael Kenwood Group, became the focus of a federal U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission probe.

Oregon State University kicked off the school year on Sept. 22 with its annual University Day celebration, a chance to socialize, learn more about the university, and honor some of its best and brightest faculty and staff.

From the time he was a first-grader who followed his older brother and friends on an unofficial “field trip” out of their Catholic New York City neighborhood because he was promised he could peek through a fence at children who would look excitingly odd, Ed Ray has instead seen plenty to fix about the way a dominant culture tends to see and react to the many smaller cultures it encounters.

Researchers at Oregon State University have shown for the first time that loss of biodiversity may be contributing to a fungal infection that is killing amphibians around the world, and provides more evidence for why biodiversity is important to many ecosystems. (see also Oregonian, Bio-Medicine)

﻿﻿Oregon State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine will formally dedicate its new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine today, adding to the suite of instrumentation it has for treating animals.

The New York Times reports key issues remain before the nation’s first 16-team superconference becomes a reality. One of those hurdles includes getting presidents of the current Pac-12 universities — including the University of Oregon and Oregon State University — to approve the moves.

When Ben Lansky first became a graduate teaching assistant (GTA) in the department of English, he found himself well supported by the faculty, and benefited from several days of orientation before his first teaching assignment. He graded sample essays, role-played possible confrontations with students, and talked about how to craft an authoritative-but-friendly teaching persona.

As he stood behind the “make-your-own-salsa” table at the Oregon State University Sustainability Festival on Wednesday, Keir Thomas encouraged those who stopped by to pick exactly what they wanted in their custom-assembled salsa.

For this reason, Jessina McGregor, assistant professor at Oregon State University, and colleagues set out to assess antibacterial prescribing trends among adults aged 65 years and older in comparison with younger adults aged 18 to 64 years.

The Department of Energy announced today that it is awarding more than $17 million in grants to 23 universities to strengthen and encourage the development of new nuclear energy technologies. The other colleges and universities receiving the grants include $1,495,000 to Oregon State University.

fforts at car sharing services go back as far as the 1940s in Europe, but the roots of car sharing in America can be traced back to 1998, when Dave Brook, an energy-conservation agent for Oregon State University, started up a car-sharing service in Portland, Ore., with four Dodge Neons.

Balz Frei, director of the Linus Pauling Institute, kicked off the conference, which was packed primarily with researchers who dedicate their life to understanding exactly how diet works at the molecular level so we can live longer.

The Oregon farmers were not alone, helping lead to a national hay shortage and near-record prices, said Mylen Bohle, a crops specialist with the Oregon State University Extension Service. (see also Capital Press)

This summer, Oregon State University scientists and engineers are also on the water. They’re testing instrument packages and buoys that will connect in part to the fiber optic network. OSU’s Bob Collier says it’s fair to say the data array will revolutionize oceanography.

It has been a very busy past few days moving into the dorms on Oregon State University campus. Sunday was the big move-in day, but Monday many were still bringing in the odds and ends to prepare for the first day of school.

Washington County officials today announced Oregon State University Extension Service offices have moved to the Charles D. Cameron Public Services Building in downtown Hillsboro.

Upcoming Events

NEW! Living center open house: The grand opening of the International Living-Learning Center Grand Opening takes place Oct. 10. The International Living-Learning Center is the new home for INTO Oregon State University and OSU International Programs. 4 p.m. main presentation and ribbon Cutting 4:30 – 6 p.m. open house and self-guided tours. For more information visit the grand opening website.

NEW! Open mic: An open-microphone event called “Performing for PEACE,” sponsored by groups from OSU and the Corvallis community, will take place on Saturday, Oct. 1, from 10 a.m. to noon in downtown Corvallis. Spoken word and performing artists are invited to showcase their talents on the theme of peace.

NEW! Harvest party: A free family harvest party with music, cider pressings, garden tours and kids’ activities will be held 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2, in the new WORMS Youth Garden, built as part of an OSU project, at Westside Community Church, 4000 S.W. Western Blvd.

NEW! Starbucks: Howard Behar, the founding president of Starbucks International, will give a free public lecture on Wednesday, Oct. 5, at Oregon State University, where he will speak about putting people first in a consumer-oriented business. Part of the College of Business’ Dean’s Distinguished Lecture Series, the event begins at 7 p.m. in the Austin Auditorium of LaSells Stewart Center, 875 S.W. 26th St., Corvallis.

STEM seminar: The Department of Science and Mathematics Education in collaboration with the (future) Center for Research on Lifelong STEM Learning presents an NSF-Supported 2020 Vision seminar with William R. Penuel, professor of education at University of Colorado, Boulder. He will speak on “Analyzing the Mutual Constitution of Persons and Cultural Practices in STEM Learning Research” on Sept. 28 from 4 to 5 p.m. in Kidder 202.

Book discussion: Join Sonny Montes—a leader in Oregon’s early Chicano movement—and Glenn Anthony May, with special guests John Little and Jose Romero, for a discussion of Mexican American activism in Oregon. May is the author of “Sonny Montes and Mexican American Activism in Oregon,” recently published by OSU Press. Sept. 29, 4 p.m. MU Journey Room. Booksigning will follow.

Keith Scribner reading: Award-winning author Keith Scribner, an Oregon State University faculty member, will read from his newly released novel, “The Oregon Experiment,” on Friday, Sept. 30, at OSU’s Valley Library main rotunda. The event begins at 7:30 p.m.; a book signing follows.

4-H Information Night: Thursday, Oct. 6, 7 p.m., at the Benton County Fairgrounds auditorium. Teens, children and their families can learn about 4-H and the many project areas available in Benton County. If you cannot attend 4-H Information Night but still want information on the Benton County 4-H program, call the OSU Extension Service, Benton County office at 766-6750 or http://extension.oregonstate.edu/benton/4h

Reception for Ron Adams: Ron Adams will soon begin his appointment as Executive Associate Vice President for Research. The OSU community is invited to a reception to recognize his 13-year leadership as dean of the College of Engineering: Friday Oct. 7, 3 – 5 pm, MU 109.

News for Employees

NEW! Paperless Payroll System: Business Affairs is in the process of implementing a new paperless time/attendance and payroll system expected to save the university hundreds of thousands of dollars each year in data entry time and minimize further an already low error rate. Visit the project website for the system to learn more about implementation, view demos, ask questions and more: http://oregonstate.edu/fa/time-attendance/.

NEW! Webinar: “Improving Research Ethics Training with Interactive Technology,” Tony Onofrietti, M.S., CRSS, Director of Research Education, University of Utah. Sept. 28, 11 a.m. to noon. Online Webinar. To register visit http://oregonstate.edu/tac/webinars. For information contact Kevin Owens: kevinowens@turningtechnologies.com, 1-866-746-3015 or tac@oregonstate.edu.
NEW! Workshop: “What’s new in Blackboard 9.1,” with Jon Dorbolo (TAC). This session is a survey of the new features and enhancements in the Fall 2011 upgrade to 9.1 version of Blackboard. Sept. 28, 4 to 4:50 p.m. Location: Milam 215

NEW! Training programs: Training & Organizational Effectiveness will offer the following classroom training programs at no cost to faculty and staff during fall term: Foundations for Running Effective Meetings, Increasing Time Awareness, Principles of Moving from “Good” to “Great,” Understanding Conflict and Moving to Resolution, and Developing a Powerful Workplace Network. Visit oregonstate.edu/training to view details and register for these sessions.

NEW! Excellence awards: Nominations for the 2011 Vice Provost Awards for Excellence are being accepted. The awards recognize outstanding contributions by faculty and staff that significantly advance the mission of outreach and engagement. Award winners receive $1,000 (provided as OSU funds in a services and supplies index) and a plaque. Nominations should include a 1-2 page letter demonstrating how the individual or team has provided outstanding contributions in the following categories and providing specific examples: Service, Strategic Impact, Program Support, Innovation, Diversity. Letters must be received by Oct. 28 and may be submitted to: http://outreach.oregonstate.edu/awards

NEW! Weight Watchers: The Weight Watchers Open House will be held Oct. 4 at 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. at Student Health Services room 322 and are not limited to OSU employees. The 13-week session begins Oct. 11. Employees must complete a Health Risk Assessment on the PEBB website. If you are a PEBB subscriber the cost of the meetings will be fully subsidized. Next, call the WW/Pebb number 866-454-2144 and ask for a confirmation code. Bring the code to the first meeting. For more information, call 541-737-3106.

Faculty Assessment Academy: The Faculty Assessment Academy promotes assessment activities in academic and academic support units as an ongoing institutional process that enhances student learning experiences for all undergraduate and graduate students. This will establish networks to support ongoing assessment at all levels. It takes place Oct. 5, 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., Willamette Room 115, CH2M HILL Alumni Center. For more information: http://oregonstate.edu/conferences/event/faa2011/

Sustainability stewards: Are you into energy saving and sustainable living practices at home? Become a Neighborhood Sustainability Steward! Increase your knowledge, be part of a team, and give back to your community by joining the OSU Extension Service Benton County volunteer program: The Neighborhood Sustainability Stewards. Course starts Oct. 18 and meets at 6 p.m. for eight consecutive Tuesdays. $50 covers all your materials. For more info contact Jody Einerson 541-766-6311 or http://extension.oregonstate.edu/benton/

TIAA CREFF: A TIAA-CREF Retirement Counselor will be on campus for individual consultations in October. TIAA-CREF can answer your questions regarding the Tax Deferred Investment and Optional Retirement Programs. The sessions will be held Oct. 4-6. To reserve a time to meet with a TIAA-CREF representative, call 1-866-928-4221 ext 472601. Room locations and times will be provided at the time your reservation is made.

Traffic and maintenance

Online Parking Services: Transit and Parking Services is pleased to announce to the OSU Community the option of purchasing parking permits, paying citations, as well as submitting appeals to a citation, all online. For more information, please visit our website at: http://oregonstate.edu/dept/facilities/taps/

Jefferson Way: Due to sidewalk and landscape improvements, Jefferson Way from 30th street to 35th street and the sidewalk will be temporarily closed. We will attempt to allow one lane access, but portions of the street will need to be periodically closed. Congestion should be anticipated. Traffic control and signage will be in place to guide traffic. The shutdown will begin at 6 a.m. Sept. 20 and should end by 6 p.m. Oct. 4.

Parking lot between Rogers and Graf: Due to the use of a crane lift, associated with the project at Rogers Hall, parking lot shared by Dearborn Hall, Graf Hall & Covell Hall, will be temporarily closed. This lot is to be empty of all vehicles by the end of the day on Oct. 6. The shutdown will begin at 7 a.m. Oct. 7 and should end by 5 p.m.

Parking lots: Free parking in student/visitor lots only now through Oct 7.

The Oregon State University Foundation has a job opportunity for a Telefund Manager/ Student Based Programs Manager to work at the Corvallis Office. To review a full job description and instructions on how to apply go to http://osufoundation.org/employment/

The Financial Aid Office is seeking an Associate Director of Financial Aid Operations. This is a full-time (1.0 FTE), 12-month, fixed term professional faculty position. This is an Internal Search, and is open to current, regular status OSU employees only. Posting # 0007996. Closes Sept. 26.

The Forestry, Oceanic and Atmospheric Business Center (FOBC) invites applications for a full-time, 12-month, Finance and Accounting Manager (FAM) position. This is an internal search only, open to current OSU employees. Posting # 0008006. Closes Sept. 29.

Regional Network Director: The OSU Alumni Association is looking for an experienced alumni professional to develop, lead and manage regional volunteer networks. The successful candidate will work with volunteers to develop programs to engage alumni within high-priority lifecycles: recent grads, families and mature alumni. This position will primarily work to develop and implement programs in California – home to more than 16,000 OSU alumni. Email cover letter, resume and contact information for 3 references to: osualum@oregonstate.edu. Include position title in subject line of email. For full consideration please apply by Sept. 30. Position posted at www.osualum.com/jobs

The search for Interim Dean of Engineering is underway. This is an internal search. Posting #0008018. Closes Oct. 3. Email Gigi.Bruce@oregonstate.edu for a complete position description.

Nuclear Engineering and Radiation Health Physics is hiring a Public Information Representative 1. Major duties include preparation and presentation of public information to promote public awareness, understanding and acceptance of NERHP programs, activities, policies and procedures. Posting #0008058. Closes Oct. 7.

College of Business invites applicants for part-time, fixed-term instructors of Entrepreneurship and Business Quantitative Methods winter and spring terms. Masters Degree required. Apply to instructor pool posting # 0007284.

Weather

Corvallis: We’re seeing the return of students this week for the first day of school, and they’ve brought the rain and the changing leaves with them. Rain is expected today and tomorrow with highs around 70 and lows in the mid 50s. There may be some clearing later this week but rain returns for the weekend.

Central Oregon: We’ll escape most of the rain hitting the valley this week, with partly cloudy skies and highs in the low 70s. There’s a chance of showers tonight but that should disappear by tomorrow.